Murray's final regular-season musings

The Riders’ regular season ended with a whimper instead of a bang after Saturday’s 30-26 loss to the visiting Edmonton Eskimos. I didn’t know how this game would turn out due to the Riders looking to rest as many regulars as possible to remain healthy for the West Division semifinal against the Lions. I didn’t expect the Eskimos to lay down, but I thought the Riders should be able to beat them.

The Eskimos played like a team with something to play for and the Riders looked like they were looking at playing next week. That’s not a bad thing. I would have liked to have seen the Riders win just to have a good feeling heading into the playoffs.

The situation isn’t as dire as it was in 2012 when the Riders limped into the playoffs with four straight losses. Then they nearly eked out a win over the Stampeders, so maybe the final meaningless game of the regular season didn’t have any meaning.

Saturday’s game was still played and the Riders finished the season with an 11-7 record. The Eskimos were 4-14 and who knows what’s ahead of them. You have to wonder if Kavis Reed has appeared in his final game as Edmonton’s head coach. I would be surprised if he did return.

Anyway, that’s for later. Here some musings on the season, Saturday’s game and what’s ahead for the Riders.

– I was impressed with running back Chris Garrett. He’s a different style of running back than Kory Sheets in that Garrett tends hit the holes hard. Sheets moves around before making a definitive cut. There might be some discussion about Garrett playing in the West Division semifinal, but that won’t happen. There isn’t room on the active roster for him, so he’ll have to be satisfied with some great tape from Saturday’s game and being named Murray’s Monster. I know the game didn’t mean much to the Eskimos, but 23 carries for 152 yards and touchdown was enough to catch my attention.

– I wasn’t overwhelmed by either quarterback. There were times when Drew Willy reverted to his happy feet in the pocket. He didn’t do that often his last start against the Tiger-Cats and I think he needs to be settled in the pocket. Tino Sunseri looked poised in his duty. He has a good arm and showed it off a few times.

– It was interesting to see how the Riders used Geroy Simon. He had three receptions for 58 yards and could have had more. From my vantage point in the press box, there were a couple of times when Simon was wide open. The young quarterbacks weren’t able to find him or get the ball to the veteran. I remember typing many times this season that I expected that George Cortez had bigger plans to include Simone in the offence as the season progressed. Looking back, I guess Cortez didn’t. I can’t see Cortez making any huge adjustments to include Simon in the offence in the semifinal at this late date. I’m sure he’ll attract lots of media attention leading up to the game just because. I don’t expect him to receive much attention during the game.

– I’m writing off the punt return touchdown by Jamal Miles as a blip for the Riders special teams. That kind of stuff happens in the CFL and the Eskimos were full marks for catching the Riders on that one. I lean towards the big picture and the Riders have been solid on special teams all season.

– The announced crowd was 32,701 but there were a lot of spaces at the stadium. It really had a pre-season feel to the game. That’s not anyone’s fault. It’s just the way season shook out.

– I was impressed by Mike McCullough, who reminded us all that you always have to be ready to play in the CFL. McCullough was slated to have most of the day off with Ejiro Kuale playing middle linebacker. A knee injury sidelined Kuale early and forced McCullough back on the field. McCullough finished with four defensive tackles and a sack. The veteran can still play and he proved it again on Saturday.

– Edmonton’s Rene Curran had 11 defensive tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown. He played like he wants to be the starting middle linebacker in 2014.

– It was nice that the fans acknowledged Kerry Joseph when he was introduced on Saturday. It’s kind of sad watching him wrap up his career in a meaningless game. I was told that Joseph fought back teams when talking to reporters about his future after the game. We often forget that these guys are human and just how much it means to them to play football. I’ve always respected Joseph and I wish things had worked out better for him after the 2007 Grey Cup season.

– So that’s a wrap for the 2013 season. I like how the Riders defence improved over the season. The addition of Alex Hall was a smart move and one that should pay dividends in the playoffs. I’m not as worried about the Riders’ offence as others. I trust in Darian Durant and he’s always performed in the playoffs. I’m sure that Cortez will have him ready for the Lions.

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